On Tuesday, lawmakers in Tennessee made a controversial decision. They passed a bill allowing teachers and school staff to carry hidden guns in schools. This comes just a year after a sad shooting at a school in Nashville where six people died. During the voting, there were loud protests from people outside, shouting “Not one more kid!” One person was even asked to leave by House Speaker Cameron Sexton (R).
The bill was already approved by the state Senate. This shows a big difference in Tennessee’s ideas about guns and keeping schools safe. Some parents want stricter laws about guns, but the people in power, who are mostly Republicans, want more guns in schools. State Rep. Bo Mitchell (D) didn’t like the bill. He doesn’t think adding more guns to schools is a good way to stop violence.
Since the shooting at Covenant School in March 2023, where a student killed three kids and three adults, Tennessee has been thinking about many ways to keep schools safe. But they haven’t made any big changes to gun laws. They’ve focused on things like having officers in schools but haven’t made it harder for people to get guns.
This topic has caused a lot of arguments and actions in Tennessee. Two Black Democratic lawmakers were even asked to leave because of it. And some Republican women who normally support guns are now speaking out for more control on guns. People have been protesting a lot at the state Capitol. Students and parents are making sure their voices are heard.
Sen. Paul Bailey (R), who helped with the bill, said that having hidden guns in schools could be a surprise for attackers. Only a few states have laws like this, and Tennessee is joining them.
Now, the bill needs Governor Bill Lee’s signature to become a law. Both parties think he will agree to it. But the governor hasn’t said anything yet about what he’ll do.